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Early detection saves lives
For further information
Contact your dental professional
Visit www.health.qld.gov.au/oralhealth
Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for confidential health advice 24 hours a day,
seven days a week
Email [email protected]
© The State of Queensland, Queensland Health, 2011
How do I reduce my
risk of having oral
cancer?
• Quit smoking
• Avoid excessive alcohol
• Avoid excessive sun exposure
and apply a broad spectrum
water resistant sunscreen 20
minutes before going out in
the sun. Re-apply sunscreen
regularly
• Use a condom or dental dam
during oral sex to avoid
genital to mouth transmission
of the HPV virus
• Eat 2 serves of fruit and 5
serves of vegies every day
• Be aware of any changes
to your mouth, lips, face
or neck and report them to
your dentist or doctor. Early
detection saves lives
• Have regular dental check-ups
oralcancer?
Couldthis be
Queensland Health
© 2011 A/Professor Camile S Farah
Uni
vers
ity o
f Que
ensl
and
Lip
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?The following risk factors increase the likelihood of oral cancer developing:
• Smoking and the use of tobacco products
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Sun exposure
• Viral infections including the human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Advancing age
• Family history of cancer
• Oral cancer develops more often in men than in women
• Indigenous Australians are diagnosed more often with oral cancer than other Australians
What are the warning signs of oral cancer?• Swelling or lumps anywhere inside
the mouth, on the face or on the neck
• Sores in the mouth or on the face or neck that have not healed within a few weeks
• Red, white or dark patches in the mouth
• Loss of feeling or pain in any area of the mouth, face or neck
• Bleeding in the mouth that is persistent and unexplained
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing, talking or eating
• Persistent earache
• Difficulty in moving the tongue or jaw
• Loose teeth
• Altered sense of taste
If any of these signs apply to you, contact a dentist or doctor for a check-up.
What is oral cancer?Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth that occurs in or around the mouth. Oral cancer can be fatal.
Where does oral cancer develop? Oral cancer can occur on the lips, tongue, throat, gums, roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks and under the tongue.
Check these areas for warning signs
University of Q
ueensland
© 2011 A/Professor Neil Savage
mouth
Cheek
© 2011 A/Professor Camile S Farah
University of Q
ueensland
GUMS
Uni
vers
ity o
f Que
ensl
and
© 2011 A/Professor Camile S Farah
© 2011 A/Professor Cam
ile S Farah
Uni
vers
ity o
f Que
ensl
and
RoofOF
Mouth
tongue
Uni
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ity o
f Que
ensl
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© 2011 A/Professor N
eil Savage
